Descriptionary

back one who plays in the backfield, either offen­sively or defensively.

backfield the backs.

backfield in motion illegal motion of one or more players in the backfield prior to the snap.

back judge the downfield judge who watches for clips, pass interference, and out-of-bounds plays.

backpedal to run backward, as a quarterback.

Big Ben see Hail Mary.

birdcage the protective face bars on a helmet.

blind side the side unseen by the quarterback when in position to pass and the side from which most quar­terback tackles, called a blind-side tackle, occurs.

blitz a surprise rush by more than the usual number of defenders toward the quarterback.

body block to throw oneself sidelong into an oppo­nent to block his path.

bomb a very long pass.

bootleg a play in which the quarterback fakes a handoff, then runs in the opposite direction with the ball hidden behind his hip.

box-and-chain crew the sideline crew responsible for marking the line of scrimmage with the down box and 10-yard measuring chain. Also known as the chain gang.

break a tackle to break free from a tackle and con­tinue running.

broken play a play that goes awry, usually due to miscommunication. Also known as a busted play.

bullet a powerfully thrown line-drive pass.

butt block to illegally tackle or block an opponent by driving or butting one's helmet into his body.

carry to run with the ball.

center in the offensive line, the center player who snaps the ball to the quarterback to start play.

chain gang see box-and-chain crew.

chicken-fight a series of standing blocks made in quick succession against an opponent to keep him away from the quarterback.

chuck to intentionally bump the receiver as he begins his run from the line of scrimmage.

circle pattern a circular pattern run by a receiver to elude a defender.

circus catch any acrobatic or spectacular catch.

cleats football shoes with projections for traction on the soles. Also, the projections themselves.

clipping illegally hitting an opponent without the ball from behind, a foul resulting in a 15-yard penalty.

clothesline to tackle by swinging an arm stiffly into an opponent's head or neck, a foul resulting in a 15- yard penalty.

color commentator a radio or TV sports announcer who analyzes the plays and discusses and criticizes strategy.

comeback a play in which the receiver runs a straight pattern, then turns abruptly back toward the quarterback for a pass.

completion a completed forward pass.

conversion to kick the ball through the goalposts for one extra point after a touchdown.

corner short for cornerback.

cornerback one of two defensive backs positioned at the outside end positions to cover sweep runners and wide receivers for passes.

corner blitz a blitz on the quarterback by one or both cornerbacks.

cross pattern a pass pattern in which two wide receivers run downfield along opposite sidelines, then turn and cross paths.

cut to change direction abruptly.

decline a penalty the option of an offended team to refuse a penalty award when it is not advantageous.

defensive back a cornerback, safety, or other player positioned behind the linebackers who defends against passes and running plays.

defensive end one of two defensive players posi­tioned on the end of the line of scrimmage who rushes the quarterback or defends against sweep plays.

defensive tackle one of two players positioned next to, and inside of, a defensive end on the line of scrimmage.

defensive unit players who specialize in defense.

delay of game an infraction resulting in a 5-yard penalty.

dime defense a defense using six backs.

doping taking illegal substances, such as steroids, to boost performance.

double reverse a play in which a back hands the ball off to a teammate running in the opposite direc­tion, who in turn hands off to another teammate run­ning in the original direction.

down the point when play is stopped or the ball is declared dead. Also, one of four chances to advance the ball 10 yards with each possession.

draw play a play in which the quarterback back­pedals as if to pass and thereby draws a rush by the defense, but instead hands off to a back who runs through the gap left open by the rushing defenders.

drive a series of play advancing a team downfield.

duck a slow-floating pass that is easy to intercept. Also known as a dying quail.

eat the ball of a quarterback, to let himself be tack­led in a play than risk being intercepted by defenders who are covering the receivers closely.